Personal Independence Payments (PIP)

in 2013 Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for working age claimants of 16 to 64 years old was replaced by a Personal Independence Payment (PIP). DLA acts as a trigger for other benefits, such as Carers' Allowance, Disability Additions, Motability and Blue Badge entitlement. These continue for people awarded Personal Independence Payment.

New claimant

Contact the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) to claim PIP. You will be asked to provide details on how your disability affects you and it is likely that you will have to attend a medical assessment.

You'll be asked for information like your:

contact details and date of birth

National Insurance number

bank or building society details

doctor's or health worker's name

details of any time you've spent abroad, or in a care home or hospital

Existing DLA claimants

The new benefit is being introduced across the UK in a phased programme and was extended to existing claimants in North Ayrshire in February 2015.

If you are aged between 16 and 65, currently have Disability Living Allowance and you report a change in your condition, or if your award is due to be renewed, you will be advised whether you have to apply for PIP instead.

Other claimants, who do not need to change or renew their award, will be advised in writing when they need to transfer to the new scheme. Not everyone will continue to be entitled, or entitled to the same rate of payment.

People over 65 years old won't normally be able to claim PIP - and anyone aged 65 on the 8 April 2013 will not have their existing DLA reviewed.

Young people who have DLA reaching their 16th birthday will be invited to claim PIP.

It is important you respond to any invitation to claim - otherwise the DLA award will end.